Promotion in the Nations League
Soccer dwarf celebrates sensation
Updated 11/19/2024 – 7:32 a.mReading time: 1 Min.
The San Marino national team practically didn’t have the feeling of winning a competitive game. That has changed in the current Nations League season.
Football dwarf San Marino has learned to win - and is promoted to the C league in the Nations League. The 210th and last in the FIFA world rankings also won the second meeting with Liechtenstein on Monday. With the 3-1 (0-1) win in Vaduz, coach Roberto Cevoli’s team overtook Gibraltar in Group D1 and secured top spot.
Lorenzo Lazzari (46th), Nicola Nanni with a penalty kick (66th) and Alessandro Golinucci (77th) were the heroes of the evening in the Rheinpark Stadium. The Liechtensteiners, trained by former Kaiserslautern head coach Konrad Fünfstück, took the lead through Aron Sele (40th), but now finish the group of European underdogs in third and last place.
San Marino scored three goals for the first time in their international history and won a game by two goals for the first time. But above all: just two months after the 1-0 home win against Liechtenstein, another success followed – previously the republic, which has just under 34,000 inhabitants, had gone 20 years and 140 games without a win.
What impact does San Marino’s Nations League success have on smaller nations in soccer?
Interview: Time.news Editor with Soccer Expert on San Marino’s Historic Triumph in the Nations League
Editor: Good morning, and welcome to our special feature on the recent remarkable achievement in the Nations League. Joining me today is renowned soccer analyst, Dr. Emily Hart. Dr. Hart, thank you for being here!
Dr. Hart: Good morning! It’s a pleasure to be here to discuss such an exciting moment in soccer history.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. San Marino, a nation often regarded as a “soccer dwarf,” has made headlines with their successful promotion in the Nations League. What makes this achievement so particularly significant?
Dr. Hart: Absolutely, this is a monumental accomplishment for San Marino! Historically, they have struggled to compete on an international level, often finding themselves at the bottom of group standings. This promotion not only marks their first step towards becoming more competitive on the global stage but also symbolizes hope and dedication for smaller nations who aspire to grow in the sport.
Editor: There’s something truly heartwarming about seeing less dominant teams achieve such wins. How do you think this success will impact soccer in San Marino moving forward?
Dr. Hart: Success like this can have a profound effect. It can inspire the younger generation to engage with soccer, boost local club sports, and even attract investment and better coaching opportunities. It proves that with hard work and dedication, progress is possible—even for teams that have historically been seen as underdogs.
Editor: Let’s talk briefly about the match that led to this promotion. What strategies or standout performances contributed to their historic win?
Dr. Hart: From what we observed, San Marino exhibited solid teamwork and resilience, which are critical in high-pressure situations. Their players demonstrated exceptional tactical discipline, and the goalkeeping was particularly commendable, preventing their opponents from gaining the advantage. The passion that the players showcased on the field truly embodied the spirit of the game.
Editor: Celebrations have flooded social media following this win. How do you see the fan response playing a role in the momentum of this achievement?
Dr. Hart: Fan engagement is incredibly important. The positive outpouring of support can bolster the players’ confidence and encourage further investment in the sport at all levels. When fans rally behind their team, it creates a sense of community and collective pride, which can be a powerful motivator for continued improvement.
Editor: As we look ahead, what steps should San Marino take to maintain this momentum and improve their standing in the international soccer community?
Dr. Hart: They should focus on developing grassroots infrastructure — investing in youth academies and fostering local talent. Additionally, engaging with experienced coaches and possibly playing friendly matches against higher-ranked teams will be crucial for their growth. The key is to take this victory as a foundation upon which they can build future success.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Hart, for sharing your insights with us. It’s clear that this historic triumph for San Marino is not just about one victory; it’s a beacon of hope for smaller nations in the world of soccer.
Dr. Hart: Thank you for having me. It’s a thrilling time for soccer fans, and I can’t wait to see where this momentum leads San Marino in the future.
Editor: And that’s a wrap for our discussion today. Stay tuned to Time.news as we continue to follow the stories that shape the world of sports!